![]() ![]() The most potentially hazardous form of these two types is ionizing radiation, which has ultra-high frequency photons capable of removing electrons from exposed atoms. There are various forms of electromagnetic radiation that vary along a frequency spectrum (Figure 1) some types of radiation pose health risks, while others are not believed to result in negative health effects. However, the term “radiation” carries a strong negative connotation, a fact recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) that motivated the creation of material for public education on the topic. While their enabling wireless technologies are not widely understood by the public, RF radiators like cellphones, devices supporting Bluetooth®, and WiFi routers have become ubiquitous. In this article, we will discuss the current state of wireless hearing aid technologies and how wireless hearing aid systems are being designed to be both effective and safe to use. Health concerns regarding radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation remains a concern among consumers, even in spite of 95% of the US population reporting cell phone ownership. While many patients and hearing care professionals have welcomed advancing interconnectivity, there may be public concerns as the technology becomes more popular. These future hearing aids will do more than adapt to the user’s environment rather, they will become part of a mesh of wireless devices that interact with any number of other wireless devices in a given space or across a wireless network. ![]() Today, wireless hearing aid users benefit from smartphone connectivity, while future changes to the Bluetooth® standard will permit nearly universal hearing aid interconnectivity. The integration of wireless technology and hearing aids has fundamentally reshaped the direction of the hearing industry. Consumers should be confident knowing that wireless hearing aids are safe and strictly regulated medical devices that meet governmental wireless communication standards in addition to those set forth for medical devices. Galster, PhDĪs public awareness of wireless hearing technology grows, hearing healthcare professionals may notice an uptick in long-term safety concerns being expressed. Mitchell, MSEE Ezdeen Elghannai, PhD and Jason A. ![]() Research | June 2017 Hearing Review The facts about electromagnetic radiation and wireless hearing aid technologyīy Justin R.
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